Created in 1977, the Certified Farmers Market program enables California agricultural producers to market their agricultural products directly to consumers. This program allows a direct outlet for producers to market their agricultural commodities, thus avoiding the middleman expenses associated with the commercial preparation of products. Certified Farmers’ Markets (CFMs) allow growers and customers to interact directly while providing the public with convenient access to fresh, high-quality California-grown produce. CFMs are more than produce. Community events, CFMs bring in a variety of other small businesses, such as jewelry and craft vendors, prepared food sellers, and musicians.

The term "certified" in the phrase "Certified Farmers' Markets" means produce is brought straight from the farm to the market. Only California-grown produce may be certified. Although the program exempts the producer from standard containers and produce size requirements, quality requirements are still required.

The intent of the Certified Farmers' Market program is to ensure that the agricultural products sold to the public are truly grown by the producer. How? Calaveras County agricultural inspectors visit participating local producers' growing sites and certify that their crops are indeed Calaveras County-grown. Other county agriculture departments provide the same service statewide, ensuring that producers from outside of our county really grow what they’re selling.

At the CFM, our inspectors review each producer's Certified Producer Certificate (CPC) for accuracy. Our inspectors are careful to check that the produce being sold is in line with quality, seasonality, and feasibility as a crop grown in Calaveras County. The CPC is the most important regulatory tool we have at a CFM; especially with growers from all over California selling at our local farmer's markets. CPCs are so important that they’re posted prominently for the public to view as well.

While at the CFM, our inspectors also verify organic produce by examining organic registration documents issued by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

CFM applicants must adhere to the following:

• Per 3 CCR § 1392.2, applicant(s) must be a non-profit organization, a certified producer, or a local government agency.
• Applicant to complete form online on the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA’s) website: Certified Farmers' Market Admin
• A current copy of the certified farmers' market's rules and regulations
• Map of site
• Proof of non-profit status (if applicable)
• Copy of Certified Producers Certificate (if applicable)
• Permission to use the site, if not the owner (i.e., signed documentation from the owner)

*Note: A certified farmers' market certificate is valid for 12 months from the issue date.

CPC applicants must adhere to the following:

• For both new applicants and renewals, log in to the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA’s) Certified Farmers' Market Admin to review or print the application.
• A How-To document on how to amend a CPC on CDFA’s website can be found here and in the Resources below.
• A CPC checklist guide to selling at a CFM can be found here and in the Resources below.

*Note: A certified producer certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.